GAzelle (Argos-4)

GAzelle (Argos-4) [GA-EMS]

GAzelle, formerly known as OTB 3 (Orbital Test Bed 3), is a small satellite operated by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS) to host several experiments from different customers.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS) plans to fly dedicated satellites for hosted. These OTB (Orbital Test Bed) satellites provides the opportunity for Hosted Payload customers to benefit from reliable, low-risk access to orbit, to rapidly and cost-effectively space-qualify new technology, gain flight heritage, acquire mission experience, generate in-orbit data and provide mission continuity capability, without the need to procure a costly dedicated launch.

The largest hosted payload is the Argos-4 Advanced Data Collection System, as also to be flown on Oceansat 3 and METOP-SG-B. The Argos-4 A-DCS mission is supported by the NOAA Cooperative Data and Rescue Services Program. Argos is an international program that collects data from thousands of sensors and transmitters located around the world. Currently, data is collected and distributed for use in numerous applications, including ocean buoy tracking, wildlife and fishery monitoring, and maritime security, as well as non-environmental uses.

Additionally a radiation monitoring payload is on board.

Launch was planned for late 2021 or early 2022, but is delayed to October 2022 on a Electron KS.